PRIVATE LABEL OTC DRUGS RECALLED FOR SAFETY ISSUES

The FDA announced a nationwide recall of private label
acetaminophen products sold by CVS, Eckerd, Wal-Mart,
Kmart, and a number of other chain pharmaciesa move
prompted by safety issues that arose during the manufacturing
process.

The generic manufacturer of the OTC analgesics,
Michigan-based Perrigo Co, voluntarily recalled 383 lots of
acetaminophen 500-mg caplets as a result of small metal
fragments found in a small number of these caplets.
Although the caplets were destined for distribution under
various store brands throughout the country, FDA officials
said they received no patient complaints or reports of illness
or injuries associated with the recalled products. The
agency described the probability of serious adverse health
consequences as "remote" but acknowledged that, "if a
consumer were to swallow an affected caplet, it could
result in minor stomach discomfort and/or possible cuts to
the mouth or throat."

Visit ePharmacy Times at www.pharmacytimes.com/articleNewsletter.cfm?ID=4022 for a related story on the
recall.